Tight Chest Full Of Doubt

[Eddie91]

I am new here. I don't know what to do anymore. I don't have the support at home. Even though I see a counselor to talk over the issues, I have been branded a liar and that anxiety does not exist from my family member at home. I am living pain everyday, getting screamed at and I need to run or end it somehow. How do others cope?

[ckadam]

I remember when my panic attacks were at their worst I felt the same way. My family didn't believe me either. Now looking back I realize that there really was no way they could have understood what was going on with me. Anxiety is just so bizarre, the body seems to just freak out for no recognizable reason. One of the things that helped me was getting involved with group therapy. My therapist at the time had individual and group sessions. The group was great because everyone was just like me and experiencing similar things. Though I'm not on medication anymore, I do use things like rest, diet and aromatherapy to keep my anxiety at bay. Hope this helps.

[Eddie91 in reply to ckadam]

Thanks for your post. I get screamed at home that there is nothing wrong with me and this is all made up. I get told that this anxiety thing you are being told by your PHD therapist who is also a psychologist is BS. This is coming from my spouse. Years and years of this. It is hard to do anything sometimes. I am now thinking because of the help I am getting that it may be some of my surroundings at home driving my anxiety higher.

[bluebayou in reply to Eddie91]

Yikes I'm sorry your spouse yelled at you. Is there any way you could get them to go to a therapy session with you? It might start to break down the disbelief if they hear it directly from the source. The therapist may also be able to advise your spouse on how best to support you. Hope your home can become a safe space for you in the future!

[Eddie91 in reply to bluebayou]

I function at a high level at work, now it is starting to affect what I do daily. Just the thought of my spouse now or having to go home, starts the tight chest. I know it is not a safe space. As soon as I get home, it may only be minutes before accusations or attacks start. She refuses to go to my therapy session with me because she thinks it is all made up. I get the shakes, chest pains, I see a neurologist for major headaches. There are other things that she constantly reminds me of from the past that I have failed on. It all does not make me feel good.

[CaptainCrunch]

My spouse and family didn't believe me either. And they even made choices that just brought on more pain. Eventually my son start having irrational fears and was becoming debilitated and my wife took him to the doctor and after more test she is taking him to a therapist and reading books for the first time and finally she it snapped... Crap this sounds like what my husband has been struggling with... Mental illness is a very lonely sickness.

[Eddie91]

It is hard. I have been told it is all on me and I need to figure it out or go. I have been dealing with this for years where it can be hard to do activities or go on a vacation. Once I go I am fine, it is the initial dealing with it. I have been told to "man up" and get over it and it is nice a therapist can figure out what is wrong with you so quickly. It hurts. Now my youngest has anxiety, but she is allowed to have it, but not me.

[Flash1]

U need help. Do not afraid talking to your family what u are going through now.. If family cannot help, u can talk to your friend. My hus has anxiety with depression, we didnt have any family around. We starts to go church, and his doctor call him and talking on phone. Because he did not wanted to see doctor, he thinks the medicine is not the solution. Doctor, family or friends support is very important..

[Eddie91 in reply to Flash1]

Thank you for your advice. I have very few friends as you can imagine because it is hard for them to come around. My favorite activities I haven't had the energy to do them and they were always a put down from my wife. My two closest friends are very supportive and know the truth. One has PTSD from the military so he and I have very good talks so it is good therapy. My other friend mentions to me who is really creating the environment. I just need to talk more. It does help.